Public Engagement and Media Relations Specialist

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.

The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

The HHMI Communications department drives awareness of HHMI’s brand and mission through external and internal communications, with emphasis on four overarching goals:
1) Communicate HHMI’s commitment to discovery science across new and existing channels to inspire public trust and reinforce the value of basic scientific research;
2) Deepen HHMI’s impact by helping to attract an increased pool of talent from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds;
3) Build and implement a Public Engagement program, and
4) Build and protect HHMI’s identity and reputation.

The Specialist will be assisting the Manager of Public Engagement and Media Relations in enhancing the communication skills of HHMI scientists and raising the organization’s profile through various channels. In addition, this role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with members of the media to pitch and place stories to raise the public profile of HHMI.

This position reports to the Manager, Public Engagement and Media Relations, and is located at HHMI’s headquarters. The employee will report in person to Chevy Chase, MD, two days a week.

• A direct role in supporting critical work that impacts HHMI’s mission of advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.
• In this role, you will have the opportunity to help shape what public engagement looks like at HHMI.
• A team that believes in continuous learning and experimentation, and cultivates an environment where colleagues help each other.
• A company that fosters a healthy work life balance.
• A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement each year and a significant budget for professional development!

• Brainstorm and implement public engagement campaigns that engage scientists with broad scientific and nonscientific audiences in collaboration with leaders on the team.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of in-person interviews with scientists at their home institutions and help with onsite media training.
• Serve as a key resource for information and content ideas through developing an understanding of HHMI scientists and programs.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of quarterly public engagement meetings to train scientists in media and social media communication.
• Build and maintain relationships with media and peer organization professionals. This includes understanding and monitoring the interests of key media outlets to pitch stories about HHMI programs and priorities effectively.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations with a focus on data and analytics.
• Identify interview opportunities to pitch HHMI scientists as event speakers or research experts.
• Manage an editorial calendar for storytelling, media pitching, and social media campaigns around opportunities such as trending topics in science or cause-centered/awareness months.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 4-6
  
  Attorney experience in Communications and Media Relations.
• Experience training others in media interview and social media skills.
• Proven success in pitching and placing science-related media stories.
• Experience leading external production teams.
• Ability to translate scientific text for broader audiences.
• Strong storytelling skills and audience understanding.
• Ability to work…